Book Review – The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue (Guide #1) by Mackenzi Lee

Mackenzi Lee holds a BA in history and an MFA from Simmons College in writing for children and young adults, and her short fiction and nonfiction has appeared in Atlas Obscura, Crixeo, The Friend, and The Newport Review, among others. Her debut novel, This Monstrous Thing, won the PEN-New England Susan P. Bloom Children’s Book Discovery Award. Her second book, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, a queer spin on the classic adventure novel, was a New York Times bestseller (what is life?), and ABA bestseller, earned five starred reviews, a #1 Indie Next Pick, and was shortlisted for the New England Book Award.

She loves Diet Coke, sweater weather, and Star Wars. On a perfect day, she can be found enjoying all three. She currently calls Boston home, where she works as an independent bookstore manager.

BOOK REVIEW

Genre: Young Adult / M/M

BLURB

Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.

But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

CORINA’S REVIEW

Wow, this book was something else!!!

I don’t think I’ve read a book yet that was as entertaining, and unique as The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue. Pirates, highwaymen, tombs and catacombs, alchemy, sacrifice, and love.This book had it all.

I thought from the very first moment that this book was SPECIAL. Not only was the plot fresh and different, the author’s voice was equally unique and outstanding.

Her characters were flawed in a realistic and not over the top kind of way. All three main characters struggled with something that couldn’t be changed. Was it being a woman in the 18th-century, or a colored gentleman, or a gentleman interested in another gentleman. Monty, Felicity and Percy went on an adventure of their lifetime – unbeknownst and unwilling this adventure turned out to be life changing. Profoundly and irreversible.

I was sucked into this book from the very first chapter. Their escapades on their grand European tour were hilarious at times, but always, ALWAYS utterly captivating. I can only recommend this book to everyone. The love story was sweet but didn’t take over the main plot and character development. The cast was the main draw and I easily succumbed their charm and wit. Monty was charming but also an utter rascal, that got away with much more than was helpful. Percy was such a nice an down-to-earth person, he was the easiest to fall in love with. And Felicity – yikes that girl was the HOOT!!! I can NOT wait for Felicity’s story, her book is going to be AWESOME.

I don’t usually read as many NEW authors anymore, because of a full ARC schedule but also I usually stay with known and favorite authors. So, I can’t emphasize enough how GLAD I was that I read this book.

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue should not to be MISSED!!!!

This incredibly charming description by the author herself pretty much sums it up perfectly.

OH I’m so glad you loved this book so much! I have been seeing it everywhere lately. I’m not much into books with historical settings, but that one sounds like a lot of fun to read, and I’m definitely intrigued by this author’s voice now. Thank you for the lovely review! 🙂

The cover makes decisions for most of my reading and this cover doesn’t win me over; however, your review! Fantastic review by the way! I really want to read this book now. I love humor in my reading and this book is one I shouldn’t miss 🙂

Jasmine you are not the first one mentioning the depressing cover;-) I’m glad I got this book in my owl crate. I’ve seen it everywhere and even entertainment weekly featured it as one of 20 summer must reads. It wasn’t a slapstick comedy, more like characters that were witty and funny in an understated way. Really wonderful!